ALOT of advice needed !!

neelm
neelm Posts: 3
edited June 2009 in MTB buying advice
Hi guys,

ok this is could be a long one and may well lead to me being kicked off cause I'm about to ask for alot of information. Ok like alot of people recently my company has just joined the cycle2work scheme, and we have £1000 we can spend on a new bike. But we're limited to using Halfords. I've spoken to them and they can source bike's from else where. In fact the guy I spoke to on the phone was really helpful and actually emailed me a list of all the makes they can source (listed below) :

Halfords range- including Boardman, Dahon, Kona, Pashley
Specialized
Voodoo
Giant
Scott
Cannondale
Orange
Trek(Collection only)
Marin (Collection only)
Gary Fisher (Collection Only)
Mezzo
Charge
Ridgeback
Genesis
Pearson
Viner Gladius
Dolan Mythos
GT International range
Wilier
Ridley
Pashley
Dawes
Brompton
Urban Mover
Powabyke

So my basic questions are :

1) Which brands are worth considering and
2) Out of those brands which would be the best sub £1000 bike

I'm looking for a hardtail.

I realise this is a really open posting and it's a highly individual choice on bikes, but any pointers, leads, advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    whatever fits best. and does what you want it to do.

    why list Road brands? or are you looking at a road bike? do you really want a small wheeled Town bike?

    Get into Halfrauds and see what best suits then start asking questions.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • GrantyBoy
    GrantyBoy Posts: 166
    Boardman Pro Hardtail, its waht I got with my voucher. Well chuffed with the bike.
  • MrChuck
    MrChuck Posts: 1,663
    The range you have there is enormous and you haven't really said anything about what you're looking for (apart from 'hardtail') so I'd say it's pretty much impossible to say which is best for you!

    Can you at least narrow the type of riding you have in mind down a bit?
  • bomberesque
    bomberesque Posts: 1,701
    Voodoo are the prettiest

    *shrug*
    Everything in moderation ... except beer
    Beer in moderation ... is a waste of beer

    If riding an XC race bike is like touching the trail,
    then riding a rigid singlespeed is like licking it
    ... or being punched by it, depending on the day
  • neelm
    neelm Posts: 3
    Hey guys

    sorry doing this in my lunch hour so was rushed. Just copied and pasted the info the guy sent me. I'm going to be riding the bike to work, but also be doing some off road biking, (missus and a few friends are into it). I wouldn't say it's going to be hardcore stuff or anything but still if I got the bug would like to know I have a bike that I could step up a gear or two with.

    As you've probably guessed I'm fairly new to bikes !!

    I've done some research and have read alot of good things about Voodoo, Specialised, Boardman and Marin. So if it helps could we narrow it down to these 4 and any thoughts on the pros and cons of each ? ie. Voodoo D-Jab v Marin Mat 4 v Boardman Hardtail Pro ?
  • GrantyBoy wrote:
    Boardman Pro Hardtail
    +1.

    Nice and light for a commute, great xc bike.
    £999.99
    http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtbht/ht_Pro.html

    If anyone finds better spec for the money i'll eat my inner tubes.
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    what type of off road riding are aiming to do? If its just canal tow path, nice flat bridle ways etc then you might be better off with a hybrid rather than mountain bike. But if the terrain is a bit rougher then a hardtail mountain bike is fully justified.
  • GrantyBoy
    GrantyBoy Posts: 166
    I'll also add I use my Boardman for the daily commute and it does the job well.
    Seriously I doubt you'll get a better bike for the cash.

    It almost got a perfect 10/10 from What Moutain Bike in a recent test, only the tyres stopped that.
  • RossOB
    RossOB Posts: 82
    Boardman is the best for spec and I will eat my chain if someone does a better value bike !!
    Giant trance x3
  • Si78
    Si78 Posts: 963
    Hi,

    +1, Boardman Pro! Gorgeous bike, and a bargain for £1000!

    or

    Get the Boardman Team for £850, and spend the other £150 on all the accessories you may need?

    Any of the Boardmans are great bikes...Ive got the Sport, cheapest in the range, and its fantastic off-road, and when Im riding to work too.

    Best going down to Halfords and have a sit on them, see if they fit you ok, and you feel comfortable on them!

    Si
    Why has my sig been removed by the admins???
  • jmillen
    jmillen Posts: 627
    Get yourself to Halfords, test ride a Boardman Pro....if it fits and you like it, buy it.

    You won't find a better spec'd hardtail for the money. Had my a week and its been absolutely brilliant
    2010 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon
    2014 De Rosa R848
    Carrera TDF Ltd Commuter